COLONEL TOMMY F. TILLMAN, JR. PROMOTED TO BRIGADIER GENERAL

by | May 6, 2024 | Capital/River

Story by Maj. Dusty Culpepper, Public Affairs Officer Mississippi Air National Guard
Photos by Capt. Kiara Spann, 172nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Officer

Col. Tommy F. Tillman, Jr., chief of staff of the Mississippi Air National Guard, salutes Maj. Gen. Barry A. Blanchard, the Mississippi Air National Guard commander, during his promotion ceremony at Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi, May 4, 2024. Tillman has served in various federal and state leadership positions during his 37-year career. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Kiara Spann)

Saturday, May 4, 2024, was about more than just “Star Wars” day for the members of the Mississippi National Guard. Hundreds of friends, colleagues and family members filled the auditorium at the Mississippi National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi, to witness the promotion of Col. Tommy F. Tillman to the rank of brigadier general.

Maj. Gen. Barry A. Blanchard, the Assistant Adjutant General – Air for the state of Mississippi, served as the presiding official for the ceremony and reflected on his time serving with Tillman in various leadership positions at the wing, state and federal level.

“Throughout all of his service, I can think of two words that really sum up Tommy and the way he approaches leadership and people, and they are humility and selflessness,” said Blanchard. “He exhibits servant leadership.”

As Brig. Gen. Tillman took the podium, he thanked those in the audience for being a part of his journey and reinforced his priorities of God, family, and Guard.

“I’m so honored to be able to serve as a general officer in the great state of Mississippi,” said Tillman. “I’ve often said in the past that I can’t imagine serving anywhere else and that stands true today.”

Tillman began his career in March 1987, and after five years of enlisted service, was commissioned through the Academy of Military Science in June 1992. He began his flying career at Reese Air Force Base, Texas and has tallied more than 4,450 total flying hours in the C-141B and C-17A aircraft.

Tillman held numerous staff and command positions at the group and wing level before being selected as the advisor to Air Mobility Command inspector general at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Prior to his positions at state headquarters, Tillman served as the wing commander at the 172nd Airlift Wing, Jackson, Mississippi, as well as additional duties as Director of Mobility Forces (DIRMOBFOR) where he deployed for numerous Joint Task Forces and hurricane responses.

Tillman was most recently the A3 Director of Operations for the Mississippi Air National Guard. His responsibilities included developing and executing statewide initiatives in accordance with the Assistant Adjutant General and Adjutant General’s vision to ensure the Mississippi Air National Guard’s unity of effort. After the promotion, Tillman assumed the chief of staff position of the Mississippi Air National Guard.

  • Brig. Gen. Tommy F. Tillman, Jr., chief of staff of the Mississippi Air National Guard, children pin on his brigadier general rank during his promotion ceremony at Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi, May 4, 2024. Tillman enlisted in the MSANG in 1987 and earned his commission in 1992. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Kiara Spann)

  • Brig. Gen. Tommy F. Tillman, Jr., chief of staff of the Mississippi Air National Guard, recites the oath of office from Maj. Gen. Barry A. Blanchard, the Mississippi Air National Guard commander, during his promotion ceremony at Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi, May 4, 2024. Tillman has served in various federal and state leadership positions during his 37-year career. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Kiara Spann)

  • Brig. Gen. Tommy F. Tillman, Jr., chief of staff of the Mississippi Air National Guard, is presented with his personal flag during his promotion ceremony at Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi, May 4, 2024. Tillman has served in various federal and state leadership positions during his 37-year career. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Kiara Spann)

  • Brig. Gen. Tommy F. Tillman, Jr., chief of staff of the Mississippi Air National Guard, addresses the crowd during his promotion ceremony at Mississippi National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Jackson, Mississippi, May 4, 2024. Tillman enlisted in the MSANG in 1987 and earned his commission in 1992. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Kiara Spann)